2010

Software

Real-time radar data-exchange is up and running between most BALTRAD partners

The second release of the baltrad software is in operation and partners are feeding their weather radar data into the system. System now includes functionality for data exchange, managing a catalogue of data, and scheduling of various activities.

Data processing is being organized through a concept which we refer to as the "toolbox". The project is collecting contributed data processing algorithms and making them available in a harmonized way. All projects partners have access to the same collection of algorithms and may use them in ways that suit them best. The toolbox itself is designed to facilitate the application of the various algorithms, but the use of the algorithms themselves is decided locally in each country.

A prototype visualization portal is being made available as part of the system. Other methods of product visualization can also be made available in the baltrad toolbox and used locally to support local end-user needs

Co-operation with end-users

First “End User Event” took place on 26th October 2010 in Aalborg, Denmark. The workshop attracted nearly 50 participants that contributed to the success of the event. A key element of the event was the interaction between the project and users on their specific needs and expectations from the baltrad project.

It came apparent, that there are cases were raw radar data are more important for end-users than “cleaned data” after processing by the baltrad system. It depends on the needs of a user what kind of data to deliver.To some users, instead of receiving particular products, it is more important is to get a “toolbox” in which the data are available together with tools for visualization and analysis and methodologies for the data interpretation.

An interface dedicated to end users should be able to work with Google Maps, but the "toolbox" approach will allow other ways of data visualization too. The results of the workshop gave the baltrad team a deeper insight in the end users´ expectations.